Allegations of Sexual Misconduct Against Gubernatorial Candidate Eric Swalwell

Multiple women have made allegations of sexual misconduct against U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell, a Democratic candidate for governor of California. Swalwell has denied all allegations, calling them false. The claims have emerged as Swalwell's polling has risen in the state's competitive gubernatorial race.

The Allegations

Four women have made public allegations against Representative Eric Swalwell. They have asked not to be named, citing fear of retaliation.

The women describe a similar pattern: Swalwell, who is married, showed a close interest in them when they were in their twenties, made them feel special, and then engaged in increasingly sexual communication.

• Former Staffer: A woman who worked for Swalwell alleges two incidents of nonconsensual sexual contact. She states the first occurred in 2019 after a night of heavy drinking, where she woke up naked in a hotel room with Swalwell with no memory of sexual contact. She alleges a second incident in 2024, after a gala in New York City, where she states Swalwell had sex with her while she was heavily intoxicated, said no, and pushed him away. She reported bruising and bleeding after the 2024 incident and sought medical testing.
• Woman from 2025: A woman who connected with Swalwell online alleges that during an in-person meeting in 2025, Swalwell kissed her and touched her leg without her consent at a bar. She states she later ended up intoxicated in his hotel room with little memory of events.
• Two Women from 2021: Two other women allege that after connecting with Swalwell on social media in 2021, he sent them unsolicited explicit photos of himself and sexual messages via Snapchat.

Several of the allegations escalated to unwanted physical contact or assault, often involving heavy drinking.

Corroborating Information

CNN, which first reported the allegations, stated it found corroboration for elements of the claims, including:

• Interviews with family members and friends of the women, who confirmed they were told about the incidents shortly after they occurred.
• Review of text messages the women sent to friends describing the allegations at the time.
• For the former staffer, review of medical records related to STD and pregnancy testing following the alleged 2024 assault.
• Review of screenshots of dozens of messages Swalwell exchanged with the women, described as flirtatious. The women stated more explicit messages were sent via Snapchat, a platform where messages are automatically deleted.
• For the woman from 2025, review of a photo Swalwell sent that matches footage from a CNN interview he gave that night.

Response from Eric Swalwell

Representative Swalwell has issued a blanket denial of all allegations.

"These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the front-runner for governor. For nearly 20 years, I have served the public – as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women. I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action."
— Statement from Representative Eric Swalwell

• Legal Action: An attorney for Swalwell sent cease-and-desist letters to two of the women, calling their accounts "false," demanding retractions, and warning of potential legal action. The letters argued the women's claims were "undermined" by their continued voluntary contact with Swalwell after the alleged incidents.
• Denial of Specific Claims: In a separate letter to CNN, Swalwell's attorney denied Swalwell has ever had nonconsensual sex with any woman or had sexual relations with any member of his staff.

One member of Swalwell's congressional staff resigned after receiving CNN's detailed questions about the allegations.

Additional Context

• Social Media Circulation: Rumors about Swalwell's behavior circulated on social media for weeks prior to the CNN report, promoted by a group of progressive influencers. These influencers told CNN they were not being paid by other political campaigns. Several of the women stated they decided to come forward after hearing these rumors and realizing they were not alone.
• Contrasting Accounts: CNN also spoke to other women who have worked for Swalwell in his congressional office. These women stated they had never had any inappropriate interactions with him, with some describing him as a supportive boss.
• Political Timing: The allegations have become public as Swalwell, a congressman from the San Francisco Bay Area and former presidential candidate, has ascended in the polls for the California gubernatorial race.